HAAPIFEST 2026 Industry Panel: Productions in Texas
📅 June 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM
HAAPIFEST 2026 invites filmmakers, creatives, and industry professionals to an insightful discussion on one of the fastest-growing production landscapes in the country — Texas.
The Productions in Texas Panel brings together experienced voices from across the industry to explore the opportunities, resources, and advantages of filming in the Lone Star State.
🌟 Why Texas? Why Now?
With increasing investment, expanding infrastructure, and a growing creative workforce, Texas is quickly becoming a major hub for film and media production.
This panel will take a closer look at:
The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) and how it supports productions
Financial benefits and strategies to maximize your production budget
Navigating the application process for state incentives
Houston’s rise as a diverse and production-friendly filming destination
Real-world insights from professionals working across film, television, and media
Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or an experienced producer, this session offers practical knowledge to help bring your projects to life.
🎤 Meet the Panelists
Cassandra Ariztegui
Production Incentives Specialist, Texas Film Commission
Cassandra works at the intersection of filmmaking and state-level support, helping productions access funding through the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. With experience on film sets and major festivals like SXSW and Austin Film Festival, she brings both creative and administrative expertise to the conversation.
Alfred Cervantes
Executive Director, Houston Film Commission
A Houston native with decades of industry experience, Alfred has worked on productions such as Apollo 13 and Reality Bites. Today, he leads efforts to attract film and television productions to Houston, supporting filmmakers with location scouting and local resources.
Michelle Mower
Award-Winning Screenwriter & Director
Michelle Mower’s work spans feature films, television, and documentary series. From her debut hit The Preacher’s Daughter to projects with Lifetime and Amazon, she brings deep industry insight and a passion for supporting filmmakers — especially women creators — around the world.
🎥 Build Your Next Project in Texas
From financial incentives to diverse locations and a thriving creative community, Texas offers filmmakers a unique environment to develop and produce their work.
This panel is an opportunity to:
Gain insider knowledge from industry leaders
Discover funding and production opportunities
Connect with professionals shaping the Texas film scene
🎟️ Join the Conversation
Be part of the future of filmmaking in Texas.
👉 Buy tickets: www.HAAPIFEST.org
🌏 About HAAPIFEST
Founded in 2004 by OCA-Greater Houston, HAAPIFEST was created to celebrate the diversity of AAPI culture, food, and family while supporting AAPI artists and filmmakers.
Today, HAAPIFEST is an immersive, multi-day celebration of film, music, and art — amplifying voices and sharing the untold AAPI experience through edutainment.
This OCA-Greater Houston event is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.